Shobhaa De Has Been Asked To Apologise For Tweeting Against Maharashtra Govt's Latest Order

Indian writer and columnist Shobhaa De poses with newly-launched 'Cocktail Sarees' she designed during a press conference at Mebaz show room in Hyderabad, 21 November 2007. Shobhaa De unveiled her latest range of cocktail sarees. AFP PHOTO / NOAH SEELAM (Photo credit should read NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the BJP-led government has continued to defend its decision, with the party's national spokesperson GVL Rao being quoted as saying, "It is the duty of Maharashtra government to encourage Marathi culture, a valid move to protect and thrive (sic) its language."

While the intention is noble, it does seem that the way in which this diktat is being enforced isn't exactly kosher.